Diabetic MRSA foot infection — role of linezolid therapy

Diabetic foot ulceration is common and disabling, often leading to amputation of the leg. Foot ulcers commonly become infected and MRSA infection is becoming more prevalent. MRSA is becoming a major public health problem because of its associated high morbidity and mortality, due to difficulty in its eradication with conventional antibiotics. Although vancomycin is the present mainstay of treatment of MRSA infection, a recently introduced antibiotic, linezolid may have benefits. Linezolid can be given orally, obviating the need for i.v. monitoring and offering potential savings in hospital costs with earlier discharge because of its suitability for out-patient eradication of MRSA.